Brett Gelman’s portrayal of Murray Bauman in Stranger Things has captivated audiences, particularly in season four where his character’s heroism and Russian language skills were on full display. This begs the question: did Brett Gelman actually learn Russian for the role?
Gelman’s commitment to authenticity extended beyond just speaking the lines. He worked with a renowned dialect coach, Elena Baranova, to master a Russian dialect convincing enough to fool native speakers. This dedication allowed Murray to seamlessly integrate into the Russian setting, enhancing the realism of the storyline. Unlike his brief Russian lines in season three, season four demanded fluency and accurate pronunciation to portray Murray convincingly as a Russian speaker to other Russians.
Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman in Stranger Things.
Gelman’s Intensive Training for Stranger Things
Gelman’s preparation for Stranger Things 4 was intense. Informed by the Duffer brothers that Murray was a black belt in karate, Gelman embarked on a rigorous three-month training regimen, four days a week. He studied under masters Simon and Phillip Rhee, learning black belt-level moves to ensure his portrayal was believable, funny, yet not overly comedic.
This commitment to physical authenticity is mirrored in his approach to learning Russian. He dedicated himself to mastering the language with the same intensity he applied to his martial arts training.
Beyond Russian: Gelman’s Linguistic Aspirations
While Gelman’s Russian skills were honed specifically for Stranger Things, his linguistic journey doesn’t end there. He expresses a desire to learn Spanish, citing its importance as a widely spoken language in the United States. He also plans to learn Hebrew to connect with his girlfriend’s Israeli heritage and further embrace his own Jewish roots. Though he acknowledges the challenge, learning Russian remains a future aspiration.
Murray Bauman’s Evolution: From Conspiracy Theorist to Action Hero
Murray Bauman’s character arc has been a highlight of Stranger Things. He began as a reclusive conspiracy theorist, distrustful of the outside world. Gelman connects with this initial alienation, drawing from personal experiences of feeling isolated and threatened.
Tom Wlaschiha as Dimitri, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, and Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman in Stranger Things.
However, through interactions with Hopper, Joyce, and Alexei in season three, Murray rediscovers trust and a sense of adventure. This transformation culminates in his heroic actions in season four, wielding a flamethrower to save his friends. Gelman relishes portraying this evolution, highlighting Murray’s growing bravery and strength. He imbues the character with a rational logic, carefully assessing danger while embracing the necessary risks.
From “Hey, Assholes!” to Fan Favorite: Gelman’s Impact
Murray’s iconic flamethrower scene, punctuated by the improvised line “Hey, assholes!”, cemented his status as a fan favorite. Gelman acknowledges the outpouring of love from fans, expressing gratitude for their appreciation of the hard work invested in the show. He recognizes the impact of the character and enjoys the humorous memes and positive feedback.
Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers and Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman in Stranger Things.
A Bittersweet Farewell: Gelman on the End of Stranger Things
While saddened by the show’s upcoming conclusion, Gelman believes ending Stranger Things after season five is the right decision. He respects the Duffer brothers’ commitment to artistic integrity, choosing to leave audiences wanting more rather than overextending the storyline. He anticipates an emotional farewell, acknowledging the inevitable “postpartum depression” that accompanies the end of a beloved project. However, Gelman is ready to embrace new challenges, even jokingly hinting at pursuing the role of Wolverine in the future.
